The frigate INS Talwar collided with a fishing vessel near Ratnagiri, Maharashtra, India. The naval warship sliced into the unlit trawler during the night. The INS Talwar was undamaged, but the fishing trawler quickly sank sending the 27 crew on board into the water. All 27 crewmen were later rescued by the INS Talwar. Four suffered injuries and received medical attention. Reports state the fishing trawler had been operating without lights and was not visible in the dark.
Two barges collided while on the Intracoastal Waterway off the Bolivar Peninsula, Texas. The barge TTI-150 with 1,500 tons of calcium chloride being pushed by the tug Alex D was struck by the tanker-barge CBC-7026 loaded with 945,000 gallons of crude oil being pushed by the 23 meter long tug Lake Charles. Both barges sustained damage, but did not suffer water ingress. No reports of injuries or pollution released. The cause of the incident is under investigation.
On December 15, the 114 meter long, 3134 dwt freighter Sandra II was damaged by ice while attempting to enter the Azov Sea. The Sandra II was following an icebreaker from Azov when the vessel’s hull was cut by ice breaching the ballast tank in the foreship. No reports of injuries. The Sandra II diverted to Eysk for repairs. The Sandra II was en route to Turkey with 3000 tons of wheat.
